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submitted 8 months ago by fossilesque@mander.xyz to c/science_memes@mander.xyz

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[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 months ago

Because the elemental hydrogen is introduced as a radical rather than protons (H+ ions) in the solution, the final products are likely to be more negatively charged

This is the part I don't understand. If charge is conserved, why would there be a preference for a particular charge in the products?

[-] nickwitha_k@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 4 months ago

No. I think that you're absolutely correct. The products should have charge conserved. After initial attack of hydrocarbons by H• radicals, H2 is likely to be a significant product. Supposing STP, it would likely remove itself from solution, leaving the fresh radicals to chain react and probably making interesting and unhealthy things.

My apologies, I'm out of the lab and field 15 years now so, do make some pretty basic mistakes at times.

[-] threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 months ago

After initial attack of hydrocarbons by H• radicals, H2 is likely to be a significant product. Supposing STP, it would likely remove itself from solution, leaving the fresh radicals to chain react and probably making interesting and unhealthy things.

That makes sense.